Valletta, Malta

Malta’s the big sister, the largest island in a seven-strong archipelago just a stone’s throw from Europe… and not far at all from Africa. The island’s history began with the megalithic stone temples at Gozo, which may just be the oldest free-standing structures on Earth. Valletta is Malta’s capital, and its bustling streets are lined with superb Baroque buildings, palaces, gardens and churches. The city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its nickname is Superbissima (“most proud”). Malta has two official languages: Maltese, the national language, and English. Malta was admitted to the European Union in 2004, and four years later became part of the Eurozone.

Stroll the Old Cathedral and Ramparts of the so-called Silent City.

See the Palazzo Parisio, a 19th century palace whose gardens have earned it the nickname “the miniature Versailles.”

Stop in to Casa Rocca Piccola, whose 50 rooms housed Maltese nobility for over 400 years.